Vice Studios, the studio division of Vice Media, has announced ITV Studios as its exclusive global distribution partner, the companies announced this morning. ITV’s production and distribution arm will represent future projects in the Vice Studios’ pipeline, according to the partners, following an “extensive industry-wide evaluation” by the media business.
As part of the deal, ITV Studios will add almost 2,000 hours of Vice content to its catalogue. The library features scripted and non-scripted content, including Vice’s investigative documentaries, such as wrestling exposé Dark Side of the Ring, documentary format United Gangs of America, and HBO series VICE. Future Vice Studios productions also covered by the deal, including new scripted series from Vice’s UK production hub.
The UK studio added that Zoo 55, its digital content label launched in January, will distribute the Vice portfolio across its digital, social media and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels, as well as CTV platforms.
“Adding Vice’s unique catalogue to our distribution portfolio and managing their brands in digital exploitation and FAST channels represents an exciting and rare opportunity to strengthen both our content pipeline and digital footprint,” said Ruth Berry, ITV Studios’ President of Global Partnerships and Zoo 55. “I am hugely excited about the opportunities for both parties and am looking forward to working closely with the Vice Studios’ team.”
A new Vice squad
Today’s announcement continues something of a comeback for Vice. The company filed for banktruptcy in 2023, and was bought by Fortress Investment Group. In 2024 the company underwent a significant restructuring, with Vice Studios’ management now split between London and Los Angeles. And last year, Vice Media CEO Bruce Dixon told Deadline that focusing on content deals allowed the business to become more agile, with a new production finance facility and investment backers making the business “far healthier than it was a year ago.”
He described Vice’s transition from being a “camera for hire” into a “more IP-based” content business, with less financial burden placed on distributing content across its own platforms. And Danny Gabai, Co-President of Vice Studios, referenced the UK as a major hub for the company’s global productions. He also told Deadline that 2024 was “the largest production year” in Vice’s history.
The partnership with ITV Studios looks to leverage the distribution division’s global reach, with 60 production labels in 13 countries. The UK broadcaster-owned studio is responsible for distributing formats such as Love Island internationally, and also operates 20 FAST channels. At the end of last year, reports emerged that ITV was exploring a potential merger or sale of the business.
“We have been looking for a distribution partner that matches our creative ambition to work with us across our diverse and dynamic slate,” said Jamie Hall, Co-President of Vice Studios. “With their flexible, creative deal-making, digital-first thinking and scale, the exceptional team at ITV Studios led by Ruth Berry, will ensure our programmes gain greater global exposure.”
